{ "p244748": { "id": "244748", "title": "Mugabe refuses to stand down in talks with military", "shortDescription": "", "description": "
HARARE: Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, the world´s oldest head of state, refused to resign during a crunch meeting Thursday with military generals who pushed him from power and seized control of the country.
\r\nThe talks in Harare, confirmed to AFP by a source close to the army leadership, came after soldiers blockaded key roads, took over state TV and detained the veteran leader.
\r\n\\\"They met today. He is refusing to step down. I think he is trying to buy time,\\\" said the source, who declined to be named.
\r\nMugabe´s motorcade reportedly took him from his private residence to State House for talks which were held alongside meetings with envoys from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional bloc.
\r\nImages of the meeting showed Mugabe dressed in a navy blue blazer and grey trousers standing alongside army chief General Constantino Chiwenga who smiled and was dressed in camouflage military fatigues.
\r\nZimbabwe was left stunned at the military intervention against Mugabe, 93, who has ruled the country since independence from British rule in 1980.
\r\nDespite Mugabe´s refusal to resign, attention has shifted to the prominent figures who could play a role in any transitional government.
\r\nVery delicate time
\r\nMorgan Tsvangirai, a former prime minister and long-time opponent of Mugabe, told journalists in Harare that Mugabe must resign \\\"in the interest of the people\\\".
\r\nHe added that \\\"a transitional mechanism\\\" would be needed to ensure stability.
\r\nTendai Biti, an internationally-respected figure who served as finance minister during the coalition government after the 2008 elections, called it \\\"a very delicate time for Zimbabwe\\\".
\r\n\\\"A way has to be worked out to maintain stability. That restoration requires a roadmap and to address the grievances that have led to this situation,\\\" he said.
\r\nMugabe´s advanced age, poor health and listless public performances fuelled the bitter succession battle between his wife Grace and vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa, who Mugabe sacked last week.
\r\nMnangagwa, 75, was previously one of Mugabe´s most loyal lieutenants, having worked alongside him for decades.
\r\nBut he fled to South Africa following his dismissal and published a scathing five-page rebuke of Mugabe´s leadership and Grace´s presidential ambitions.
\r\nThe military generals were strongly opposed to Grace´s rise, while Mnangagwa has maintained close ties to the army and could emerge as the next president.
\r\n\\\"People want the constitution to be upheld. The talks should look at how to deal with the Mugabe issue in a progressive manner,\\\" political analyst Earnest Mudzengi told AFP.
\r\nEldred Masunungure, a lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe, added that the formation of a \\\"pre-election coalition\\\" could be a viable response to the crisis.
\r\nMany Zimbabweans hoped the situation would pave the way to a more prosperous future.
\r\n\\\"We needed change. Our situation has been pathetic,\\\" said Keresenzia Moyo, 65.
\r\n\\\"The economy has been in the doldrums for a very long time. We are happy with what has been done.\\\"
\r\nHowever a spokesman for the ruling ZANU-PF party, Simon Khaya Moyo, insisted it was business as usual.
\r\n\\\"It´s normal, everything is normal with the party,\\\" he told AFP.
\r\nHarare´s residents largely ignored the few soldiers still on the streets Thursday and continued commuting, socialising and working.
\r\nThe international community has been watching the crisis closely.
\r\nIn Paris, the head of the African Union, Guinea´s President Alpha Conde, warned on Thursday that the continent \\\"will never accept the military coup d´etat\\\" in Zimbabwe and called for a return to the \\\"constitutional order.\\\"
\r\n\\\"(Problems) need to be resolved politically by the ZANU-PF party and not with an intervention by the army,\\\" added Conde.
Britain, Zimbabwe´s former colonial ruler, called for elections scheduled for 2018 to go ahead.
ZANU-PF ´soiled´
\r\nThe state-owned Herald newspaper walked a fine line in its editorial pages Thursday by remaining loyal to Mugabe but also endorsing the military´s action.
\r\n\\\"The military does not readily interfere... they had to break with this long tradition,\\\" it wrote, adding that ZANU-PF \\\"was being soiled by those who should be helping the President\\\".
\r\n\r\n
", "image": "http://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2017-11-16/l_244748_095102_updates.jpg", "postedOn": "1 hour ago", "postTime": 1510850640, "reportBy": "AFP", "categoryName": "World", "videoURL": null, "archivedVideos": [ ], "relatedStories": [ ] }, "p244747": { "id": "244747", "title": "Amir Khan's grand mansion taken off market after reunion with wife Faryal", "shortDescription": "", "description": "
If you thought that the Faryal-Amir fiasco was over, we have some more from the couple that caught the media by storm this year.
\r\nAfter the news of British-Pakistani boxer Amir Khan's reconciliation with pregnant wife made its way on to his official Instagram account, it has been reported that his grand mansion worth £1.6 million has been taken off the market.
\r\nLocated in the heart of Bolton in London, the house was put up for sale in June, after the two decided to part ways for good. Sadly, it is not up for grabs anymore. Boasting an indoor swimming pool, steam room, gym and what not, the mansion is no less than a dream house.
\r\nIt seems like things are finally looking good for the boxer and his wife, as 2017 might just bring a series of happiness in the couple's life.
\r\nIt is also said that Amir Khan might make appearance in the Australian show 'I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here'
", "image": "http://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2017-11-16/l_244747_092424_updates.jpg", "postedOn": "2 hours ago", "postTime": 1510848840, "reportBy": "Web Desk", "categoryName": "Sports", "videoURL": null, "archivedVideos": [ ], "relatedStories": [ ] }, "p244746": { "id": "244746", "title": "Swiss slaps ‘entry ban’ on Baloch leader Mehran Marri", "shortDescription": "", "description": "LONDON: Swiss government has slapped “entry ban” on exiled Baloch leader Mehran Marri which is valid for ten years.
\r\nIt is exclusively learnt from credible sources that the ban was placed on request of Pakistani government which handed over a dossier to the government of Switzerland alleging that Mehran Marri – who is widely known as Mehran Baluch – has links with militant groups in Balochistan.
\r\nOn Thursday, Mehran Marri arrived at the Zurich airport with his wife and four children when he was stopped by the immigration officers. Sources told that Swiss government’s foreign ministry officials met him and handed him over a dossier of 8 pages explaining why his immigration into Switzerland will not be allowed. Swiss government sources have confirmed to this scribe that the “lifetime entry ban” on Mehran Marri was placed on 9th of November.
\r\nMehran Marri was arrested and detained as soon as he reached the airport with his wife and family, Swiss government sources confirmed. The source said that Mehran Marri has the right to appeal against decision of the Swiss government but “for now his entry is banned”.
\r\nSources told that Pakistan’s Foreign Office has been in touch with the Swiss authorities about Mehran Marri and his brother-in-law Brahumdagh Bugti who lives permanently in Geneva on asylum. Both had announced that they will hold a major conference on Balochistan in the Swiss capital on 18th of November to bring together various Baloch leaders from Europe to announce a joint strategy.
\r\nBaloch sources confirmed to this scribe that Mehran Marri was on his way to Geneva for the conference on 18th when he was denied entry by the Swiss government. A Baloch source confirmed that Mehran Marri refused to accept the charges levelled against him and told the immigration authorities that he will appeal against the decision of Swiss government. He told the immigration authorities that there is no proof of his association with any violent group and allegations against him are political.
\r\nA source in Pakistan Foreign Office told this scribe that the “dossiers” given to the Swiss government have full account of activities of both Brahumdagh Bugti and Mehran Baloch. He said that action against Mehran Marri was important.
\r\nMehran Marri, a leading figure in Baloch nationalism, has always insisted that he has never been involved in militancy and has no link with the BLA. He says he has only supported only political struggle and has never been charged on the complaints against him.
\r\nThis isn’t the first time that Mehran Marri has faced trouble with immigration authorities while travelling in Europe but “lifetime entry ban” is the biggest action by any government against him. He has been stopped regularly at various European airports in the past.
\r\nIn March 2007 it emerged that that then government of Pervez Musharraf sought the extradition of Mehran Baluch from the UK government in exchange for the return of Rashid Rauf, a 26-year-old from Birmingham who was involved in terror plotting against Britain. Musharraf had also called for the extradition of Mehran’s brother Ghazain Marri who also lived in London at that time. Mehran Marri’s brother Hyrbyair Marri lives in London with his family and has kept a low profile.
\r\nMehran Marri, a British national, has been holding events regularly in Geneva and Brussels and has been active at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva for nearly two decades. His entry ban deals a blow to his activism. He has been previously arrested in London but released without any charge.
\r\n\r\n
", "image": "http://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2017-11-16/l_244746_085332_updates.jpg", "postedOn": "2 hours ago", "postTime": 1510847160, "reportBy": "Murtaza Ali Shah", "categoryName": "World", "videoURL": null, "archivedVideos": [ ], "relatedStories": [ ] }, "p244745": { "id": "244745", "title": "Bilawal terms PPP as second name of tolerance in Pakistan", "shortDescription": "", "description": "
KARACHI: Pakistan People's Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that intolerance was breeding violence and stressed that tolerance should be promoted for a better society.
\r\nIn his message on the occasion of International Day for Tolerance being observed on Thursday under the aegis of the United Nations, Bilawal said that the PPP was in fact a second name of tolerance and patience in Pakistan.
\r\nHe said his Party faced violence, injustices, hangings, lashes and the worst media trial in the history but its leadership and workers always remained harbingers of tolerance.
\r\nThe PPP chairman pledged that promoting and encouraging tolerance will remain part of the party mission and asked other political parties to follow the footsteps of PPP and play their role in creating a tolerant and harmonious society in the country.
", "image": "http://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2017-11-16/l_244745_082305_updates.gif", "postedOn": "3 hours ago", "postTime": 1510845420, "reportBy": "Web Desk", "categoryName": "National", "videoURL": null, "archivedVideos": [ ], "relatedStories": [ ] }, "p244744": { "id": "244744", "title": "JF-17 Thunder dazzles spectators at Dubai Air Show", "shortDescription": "", "description": "DUBAI: On the twilight of Dubai Air Show, a large number of spectators thronged the PAF pavilion to see the static display of JF-17 Thunder and Super Mushshak aircraft on Thursday.
\r\nBeing an open day for general public, aviation enthusiasts turned out in thousands to see the sleek and lethal fighter aircraft, rightfully called the Pride of Pakistan.
\r\nThe eager spectators were briefed about the various capabilities of this aircraft.
\r\nAnother salient feature of the event was the scintillating aerobatics display by JF-17 Thunder and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, which presented breathtaking manoeuvres during the aerial display.
\r\nJF-17 is a state of the art fighter aircraft, featured with outstanding flight performance and strong operational capability.
\r\nDesigned and developed as an affordable and cost effective fighter, it provides cutting edge capabilities at an affordable cost.
\r\nJF-17 Thunder has successfully participated in various reputed air shows all over the world including Farnborough Air Show, Paris Air Show and Zhuhai Air Show.
", "image": "http://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2017-11-16/l_244744_081724_updates.jpg", "postedOn": "3 hours ago", "postTime": 1510844760, "reportBy": "Web Desk", "categoryName": "National", "videoURL": null, "archivedVideos": [ ], "relatedStories": [ ] }, "p244743": { "id": "244743", "title": "NA approves bill to restore finality of Prophethood clause to original shape", "shortDescription": "", "description": "ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Thursday passed a bill concerning amendment to the Elections Bill 2017 with the view to restore the finality of Prophethood clause to original shape.
\r\nLaw Minister Zahid Hamid tabled the bill, which will now be sent to the Senate for approval, in parliament.
\r\nEarlier in the day, a parliamentary leaders’ meeting chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq was held and decided to reinstate the finality of Prophethood clause to its original shape.
", "image": "http://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2017-11-16/l_244743_070738_updates.jpg", "postedOn": "4 hours ago", "postTime": 1510840860, "reportBy": "Web Desk", "categoryName": "National", "videoURL": null, "archivedVideos": [ ], "relatedStories": [ ] }, "p244742": { "id": "244742", "title": "Pakistan ready for talks with India on all issues: FO", "shortDescription": "", "description": "ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office spokesperson Dr. Muhammad Faisal told newsmen during a weekly briefing here on Thursday that Pakistan is ready for talks with India on all issues, including Kashmir, Siachen and Sir Creek.
\r\nHe said that Pakistan, India and Kashmiris were parties to the Kashmir issue, which could not be addressed without their participation.
\r\nIndia has committed over 1300 ceasefire violation this year and also did not inform Pakistan in advance about the cruise missile test, he said.
\r\nHe added that developments like testing of missiles underscore the need for two countries to engage in meaningful discussion on confidence building measures, arms race and strategic stability in South Asia.
\r\nReplying to questions, he said Indian jingoistic posture is threatening regional peace and tranquility.
\r\nHe said Pakistan is committed to its policy of peaceful neighbourhood but India posture including its claims of surgical strikes and unprecedented escalation on Line of Control and Working Boundary are threat to peace.
\r\nThe spokesman said as responsible member of the international community, Pakistan believes in peace but at the same time our armed forces are fully prepared and competent to defend the country against all threats.
\r\nAsked about establishment of a special cell by Indian intelligence agency RAW for anti-CPEC activities, the spokesperson said such attempts cannot deter Pakistan and China from working on economic and trade development as well as connectivity under CPEC.
\r\nDr. Muhammad Faisal said presence of terrorist safe havens in Afghanistan is a reality.
\r\nThe spokesman thanked the UK for taking action against an anti-Pakistan propaganda in the country.
\r\nHe said that Pakistan and the United States are engaged in a comprehensive dialogue to bridge gap between perceptions of the two countries on different issues.
\r\nHe said the process of renewed engagement started when Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi met American leadership on sidelines of the UN General Assembly Session in New York.
\r\nThis was followed by exchange of several visits by senior officials of the two countries and delegation level talks.
\r\nHe said the US Congress has authorized reimbursement of 700 million dollars under Coalition Support Fund.
\r\nThe spokesperson said Pakistan also wants re-start of Strategic Dialogue between the two countries that has wider avenues for cooperation.
", "image": "http://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2017-11-16/l_244742_063958_updates.jpg", "postedOn": "5 hours ago", "postTime": 1510839300, "reportBy": "Web Desk", "categoryName": "National", "videoURL": null, "archivedVideos": [ ], "relatedStories": [ ] }, "p244741": { "id": "244741", "title": "Transport for London apologises to Pakistan over adverts campaign", "shortDescription": "", "description": "LONDON: The Transport for London (TfL) has issued apology to Pakistan over offensive advertising campaign across its network that targeted Pakistan’s sovereignty.
\r\nThis correspondent has been passed exclusively excerpts of communication between Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, Pakistan’s Deputy High Commissioner, and Mike Brown MVO, the TfL’s Commissioner of Transport.
\r\nThe TfL told this scribe that an internal inquiry had concluded that Pakistan’s legal position on the issue of “free Balochistan” adverts on London transport network was right and clear “Advertising Policy” breaches had been found on its part.
\r\nThe TfL confirmed that it had received first letter from Pakistan High Commission on 2nd of November, when anti-Pakistan campaign was run on London black taxi services, and then on 7th November when campaign on red buses stated.
\r\nPapers available with this reporter show that Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri wrote to TfL focusing on legal points and how rules of Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) and TfL’s guidelines were clearly breached, therefore giving Pakistan enough grounds for a possible legal action.
\r\nThe TfL’s inquiry found that on both occasions it was TfL’s mistake that these adverts were allowed to go on display. The Commissioner for Transport said unfortunately the Advertising Policy was broken and “for that we apologise. “We have written to our advertising partners to remind them of their responsibilities in relation to our Advertising Policy”.
\r\nThe Transport Commissioner has written to Pakistan High Commissioner, Syed Ibne Abbas, stating that an internal investigation “concluded that they were in breach of our Advertising Policy, as relating to matters of public controversy or sensitivity” and advertising agency responsible for posting these adverts was requested that they be removed as soon as possible.
\r\nHe explained that licensed taxis are only permitted to carry advertisements complying with TfL’s Advertising policy and any taxi displaying these advertisements has been issued with an unfit notice by our enforcement officers. A source in TfL has said that one driver who refused to take off the advertisement has been taken off the road.
\r\nHe explained that al the taxis have removed advertisement and any taxi displaying the same adverts will be dissed with an “unfit notice” and driver’s license suspended.
\r\nThe Commissioner explained that on 7 and 12 November the same advertisements were displayed on roadside advertising screens and buses, respectively. “On each occasion we instructed our advertising partners o remove these advertisements from our estate immediately.”
\r\nMike Brown explained that he has asked all advertisements planed by the advertising agency in question to send to him in advance of their installation. The Commissioner noted that all advertising agencies working across the London transport network had assured him that no advertisement will be carried that doesn’t comply with “our Advertising Policy”.
\r\nSpeaking to this reporter, a TfL spokesman confirmed that organizers of the campaign had submitted an amended version of the advertisement for approval. The spokesman said that it has been rejected and all advertisers told not to display the amended adverts.
\r\nMike Brown has assured Pakistani authorities that no similar adverts will be allowed in future.
\r\n\r\n
", "image": "http://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2017-11-16/l_244741_051837_updates.jpg", "postedOn": "6 hours ago", "postTime": 1510834440, "reportBy": "Murtaza Ali Shah", "categoryName": "World", "videoURL": null, "archivedVideos": [ ], "relatedStories": [ ] }, "p244740": { "id": "244740", "title": "NAB court recommends interior ministry to put Dar’s name on ECL", "shortDescription": "", "description": "
ISLAMABAD: An accountability court hearing a graft reference against Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday recommended the interior ministry to put the name of the finance minister on the exit control list (ECL).
\r\nEarlier, the NAB court had issued non-bailable arrest warrants for the finance minister on Tuesday for his constant failure to appear before it.
\r\nSources said that a formal request has been sent to the interior ministry to put Dar’s name on the ECL. The request also includes a covering letter and a copy of non-bailable arrest warrants issued by the accountability court.
\r\nThe interior ministry was informed that the finance minister had not been appearing deliberately before the NAB court.
\r\nThe sources said that a three-member committee of the interior ministry would decide on the NAB’s recommendation in the next 72 hours.
\r\nIn September, a NAB court had indicted Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in a reference regarding owning assets beyond his known sources of income.
", "image": "http://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2017-11-16/l_244740_050905_updates.jpg", "postedOn": "6 hours ago", "postTime": 1510833900, "reportBy": "Web Desk", "categoryName": "National", "videoURL": null, "archivedVideos": [ ], "relatedStories": [ ] }, "p244739": { "id": "244739", "title": "Muhammad Hafeez fails to clear bowling action test", "shortDescription": "", "description": "LAHORE: Pakistan all-rounder Muhammad Hafeez has failed to clear a bio-mechanics bowling test.
\r\nThe 37-year old Pakistan opening batsman and spinner had undergone the bio-mechanics bowling test in England on Nov 1.
\r\nNow after failing to clear the test, Hafeez could not bowl in the international cricket.
\r\nHe was reported third time in his international career for suspect bowling action during the recent one-day series with Sri Lanka in the UAE.
\r\nEarlier, Hafeez had resumed bowling again in December 2016 after clearing bio-mechanics bowling test conducted in Australia.
", "image": "http://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2017-11-16/l_244739_043920_updates.jpg", "postedOn": "7 hours ago", "postTime": 1510832040, "reportBy": "Web Desk", "categoryName": "Sports", "videoURL": null, "archivedVideos": [ ], "relatedStories": [ ] }, "p244738": { "id": "244738", "title": "US Centcom commander, Pak Army chief discuss Afghanistan", "shortDescription": "", "description": "US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief General Joseph L. Votel called on Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday, said a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
\r\nThe statement said discussion focused on regional security situation and Afghanistan, Pak-Afghan border management and Pakistan’s positive contributions towards peace and stability in the region.
\r\nIt said the army chief told the American commander that peace in Afghanistan is more important for Pakistan than any other country.
\r\nHe also reiterated that Pakistan has done its best despite constraints and would continue efforts for the sake of it’s future, in line with aspirations of Pakistani people.
\r\n\\\"However, the same was not being reciprocated as evident from the continued attacks from across the border,\\\" the ISPR quoted the army chief as saying.
\r\nThe statement said the US CENTCOM commander appreciated and acknowledged Pakistan Army's contributions and Pakistan’s sacrifices in War against terror.
", "image": "http://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2017-11-16/l_244738_040332_updates.jpg", "postedOn": "7 hours ago", "postTime": 1510829340, "reportBy": "Web Desk", "categoryName": "National", "videoURL": null, "archivedVideos": [ ], "relatedStories": [ ] }, "p244737": { "id": "244737", "title": "Explosion rocks Afghan capital near political gathering, 7 dead", "shortDescription": "", "description": "KABUL: At least seven people were killed and many wounded in a suicide bomb blast in the Afghan capital on Thursday near a gathering of supporters of regional leader Atta Mohammad Noor, according to the interior ministry.
\r\nNoor is the governor of the northern province of Balkh and a leader of the mainly ethnic Tajik Jamiat-i-Islami party.
\r\nThe explosion was the latest in a wave of violence in Afghanistan that has killed and wounded thousands of civilians this year.
\r\nPolitical tensions are up as politicians have begun jockeying for position ahead of presidential elections expected in 2019.
\r\nA spokesman for the interior ministry said the suicide bomber approached a hotel hosting the gathering in the Khair Khana district of Kabul, on foot.
\r\nThe dead included five policemen and two civilians, and many more were wounded.
\r\nPresident Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday sacked the chairman of the Independent Election Commission, raising doubts over whether parliamentary and council ballots scheduled for next year will take place as planned.
", "image": "http://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2017-11-16/l_244737_033818_updates.jpg", "postedOn": "8 hours ago", "postTime": 1510828500, "reportBy": "REUTERS", "categoryName": "World", "videoURL": null, "archivedVideos": [ ], "relatedStories": [ ] }, "p244736": { "id": "244736", "title": "Pakistan reach U-19 Asia Cup final", "shortDescription": "", "description": "Kuala Lumpur: Pakistan on Thursday qualified for the final of under-19 Asia Cup by defeating Bangladesh in the first semi-final under Duck worth–Lewis (D/L) method.
\r\nBatting first Bangladesh set Pakistan a 274-run target.
\r\nPakistan secured the place in the final by achieving the revised target of 199 in 39 overs for the loss of five wickets. The Pakistan Cricket Board applauded the team on Twitter.
\r\n\r\n
\r\n", "image": "http://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2017-11-16/l_244736_032459_updates.jpg", "postedOn": "8 hours ago", "postTime": 1510827300, "reportBy": "Web Desk", "categoryName": "Sports", "videoURL": null, "archivedVideos": [ ], "relatedStories": [ ] }, "p244730": { "id": "244730", "title": "Health professionals in Multan block roads against privatization of hospitals", "shortDescription": "", "description": "Pakistan reach ACC U19 Youth Asia Cup final in Malaysia by beating Bangladesh on D/L method in the first semi-final. Well done Boys in Green! pic.twitter.com/oZ6v0vofH4
\r\n— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) November 16, 2017
MULTAN, November: Thousands of paramedics, doctors, teacher unions, lawyers, members of All Pakistan Clerks Association and civil society activists took rallies against proposed privatization of public hospitals in Multan and south Punjab cities to register protest on Thursday.
\r\nA large numbers of female polio and dengue workers also participated in protest rallies. Female workers warned of boycotting polio campaign starting from November 20. Female workers also observed sit in at chowk Nawan Sher.
\r\nEnraged paramedics and health workers in Multan stormed into public hospitals, expressing concern over privatisation of public hospitals. They were of the view that the government plans to deprive the people of cheap medical treatment facilities.
\r\nOnly emergency wards in Multan district, Tehsil hospitals and rural health centers remained functional while general wards health professionals observed complete strike.
\r\nPatients visited laboratories at Multan Nishtar Hospital, Ch Pervez Elahi Institute of Cardiology, Children Complex, Mian Shahbaz Sharif hospital, Civil hospital and District Headquarters Hospital for medical tests.
\r\n\\\"We will not allow privatization of public hospitals established with public money. The government is determined to privatize public hospitals instead of equipping them with facilities and removing lacunas\\\", protesting paramedics said.
\r\nTalking to The News Punjab Paramedics Association senior vice chairman AD Kanwal said that hospital facilities were facing acute shortage of equipment across Punjab.
\r\nThe public hospitals are forcefully accommodating two patients at one bed often due to shortage of resources. He said that participants included laboratory technicians, operation theatre technicians, dispensers and other staff.
\r\nHe said the government provides free MRI test facility by incurring Rs 1500 on each patient currently. However, the government would have to pay Rs 4500 to contractor on each MRI.
\r\nAddressing a gathering at chowk Nawan Sher, Punjab Paramedics senior vice chairman AD Kanwal demanded legislation of professional allowances, risk allowances and restructuring of all staff from grade 1 to grade 16.
\r\nCriticizing health policies he said that health professionals are serving on a contractual basis or daily wages for the past five to 20 years. Their wages have not been increased for so many years,” he regretted.
\r\nSpeaking on the occasion Iqbal Tair, Dr Azhar Malik, Dr Kashif, Dr Ghulam Murtaza, Kalim Surani and others appealed the Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif to look into the matter and order the regularisation of their services,” he asserted.
\r\nThe protesters threatened to take their agitation from district to the provincial level and later to countrywide involving all the branches of paramedical associations if their demands were not met timely.
", "image": "http://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2017-11-16/l_244730_022859_updates.jpg", "postedOn": "9 hours ago", "postTime": 1510823460, "reportBy": "Nadeem Shah", "categoryName": "National", "videoURL": null, "archivedVideos": [ ], "relatedStories": [ ] }, "p244729": { "id": "244729", "title": "Flight safety briefing with Eminem-style rap", "shortDescription": "", "description": "Bored of hearing safety briefing again and again?
\r\nDelta Airlines has introduced a unique way to deliver safety briefing.
\r\nJust to make it all more interesting for the customers, a steward of the airline decided to shake up his demonstration and offer travellers something a little different - a briefing delivered in an Eminem-style rap.
\r\nAs seen in the video, the member of cabin crew, who introduced himself as 'Jym with a y' even added a pair of dark sunglasses to complete his look.
\r\nSpeaking about the importance of fastening your seatbelt, he raps: \\\"So snap it in place around your waist like it's going out of fashion, unexpected rough air, it could happen, even if the seatbelt sign is off, leave it on with a passion.\\\"
\r\nLater, he adds: \\\"There's four exits, two at the front, two over wing, it's time to bring.
\r\n\\\"That's how we ride, fly, high up in the sky, mark all exit signs.\\\"
\r\nHe ends his rap with: \\\"It's true, I'm here for you, now you're a part of my honorary crew.\\\"
\r\nThat’s all folks!!
", "image": "http://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2017-11-16/l_244729_021359_updates.jpg", "postedOn": "9 hours ago", "postTime": 1510823340, "reportBy": "Web Desk", "categoryName": "Lifestyle", "videoURL": null, "archivedVideos": [ ], "relatedStories": [ ] }, "p244727": { "id": "244727", "title": "Give me a break - I´m not a cricket robot, says Kohli", "shortDescription": "", "description": "KOLKATA: India skipper Virat Kohli has reiterated that he needs a break from international cricket, saying \\\"I´m not a robot\\\".
\r\nThe star batsman is expected to be rested during the latter part of the Sri Lanka series which began in Kolkata on Thursday in order to be fresh for the tour of South Africa starting in January.
\r\n\\\"Definitely I do need a rest, why don´t I?\\\" said Kohli, who has played seven Tests, 26 one-day internationals and 10 Twenty20 matches in 2017, more than any other Indian.
\r\n\\\"I´m not a robot, you can slice my skin and check if I still bleed,\\\" he said.
\r\nKohli has been named in the squad for the first two Tests against Sri Lanka but is expected to be rested for the third Test, three one-day internationals and three T20s that follow.
\r\nThe 29-year-old batsman is one of the fittest cricketers in the international game but is still wary of burning himself out.
\r\n\\\"This is one thing I don´t think people explain properly. There´s a lot of talk from outside in terms of workload whether a player should be rested or not,\\\" he said.
\r\n\\\"All these things have be taken into consideration purely because of the fact that we have built such a strong core team now of 20-25 players.
\r\n\\\"You don´t want important players breaking down at important times, that´s where the balance needs to be maintained going forward.
\r\n\\\"It´s humanly impossible to maintain same intensity and same level of performance.\\\"
\r\nIndia all-rounder Hardik Pandya pulled out of the squad for the Sri Lanka series citing overwork and is undergoing therapy at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.
", "image": "http://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2017-11-16/l_244727_020822_updates.jpg", "postedOn": "9 hours ago", "postTime": 1510822920, "reportBy": "AFP", "categoryName": "World", "videoURL": null, "archivedVideos": [ ], "relatedStories": [ ] }, "p244726": { "id": "244726", "title": "Angelina Jolie condemns sexual violence against Rohingya women refugees", "shortDescription": "", "description": "DHAKA: Filmstar Angelina Jolie has condemned sexual violence inflicted on Rohingya women in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, where a military counter-insurgency operation has sent hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslim refugees across the border to Bangladesh.
\r\nMore than 600,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Buddhist-majority Myanmar since late August, driven out by the military’s actions that a top United Nations official has described as a classic case of “ethnic cleansing”.
\r\nJolie, a special envoy of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), told a Bangladesh delegation in the Canadian city of Vancouver that she planned to visit the Rohingya victims of sexual violence.
\r\n“Later she mentioned accordingly in her keynote speech about the sexual violence faced by almost each female Rohingya who fled to Bangladesh and condemned the armed conflict in Myanmar,” Bangladesh’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
\r\nIt gave no details of Jolie’s proposed trip.
\r\nAccusations of organised mass rape and other crimes against humanity were levelled at the Myanmar military on Sunday by another senior U.N. official, who had toured camps in Bangladesh where Rohingya refugees have taken shelter.
\r\nPramila Patten, the special representative of the U.N. secretary-general on sexual violence in conflict, said she would raise accusations against the Myanmar military with the International Criminal Court in the Hague.
\r\nIn parliament on Wednesday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh would overcome obstacles to resolve the Rohingya crisis, with the help of the international community.
\r\n“I strongly believe we will find a peaceful solution to the unprecedented crisis with the help of the international community, despite various obstacles,” she said.
", "image": "http://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2017-11-16/l_244726_012129_updates.jpg", "postedOn": "10 hours ago", "postTime": 1510820220, "reportBy": "REUTERS", "categoryName": "World", "videoURL": null, "archivedVideos": [ ], "relatedStories": [ ] }, "p244725": { "id": "244725", "title": "Prague zoo: First glimpse of critically endangered Malayan tiger cubs", "shortDescription": "", "description": "Prague: The Prague zoo on Tuesday celebrated the health of two rare Malayan tiger cubs -- a male and a female -- born there six weeks ago.
\r\nZoo officials said that the small size of the female -- belonging to the critically endangered subspecies -- had been a cause for concern after two underweight cubs born this spring died.
\r\n\\\"We are monitoring their weight and development very closely,\\\" Pavel Brandl, the zoo's mammals curator, told AFP.
\r\nOn Tuesday, the female weighed in at 3.78 kilos (8.3 pounds) on the scales, while the rambunctious male, who tried hard to escape the procedure, scored 5.16 kilos.
\r\n\\\"The male is developing very nicely, absolutely in line with veterinary data. The female was born small and she has to catch up. Her initial weight was too low,\\\" he added.
\r\nThe cubs, who have yet to be named by their breeders, were born to Banya and Johann, who have been a couple at Prague zoo for more than a year.
\r\n\\\"For Banya, it was literally her last chance to give birth. She's already 11 and tigresses very rarely give birth after 15 years of age,\\\" said Brandl.
\r\nBanya gave birth to another set of cubs in the spring, but they did not survive because they were too small and Banya was an inexperienced mother.
\r\n- A long way to go -
\r\nOnly two other zoos in Europe -- including the one in Halle, Germany, in 2013 -- have successfully bred Malayan tigers to date.
\r\n\\\"The Malayan tiger is rather rare in European zoos, at present there are 17 adult animals,\\\" Brandl said.
\r\nBrandl said that Banya's new set of cubs would be safer once they make it to their six-month birthday. They will be weaned at 18 months of age.
\r\n\\\"We still have a long way to go,\\\" he added.
\r\nTiger numbers worldwide have been falling due to loss of natural habitat and poaching. They are killed for their skins, with their body parts used in traditional Southern Asian medicine.
\r\n\\\"At present, some 3,000 tigers are left worldwide and there are only several hundred adult Malayan tigers,\\\" Brandl said.
\r\nBreeding is also tricky because of the tigers' habits -- couples only stays together during the rutting period as tigers are solitary animals.
\r\n\\\"Besides, the males tend to be very aggressive, they attack the females — that's why it has taken us almost a decade to get a couple that is able to breed,\\\" Brandl told AFP.
", "image": "http://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2017-11-16/l_244725_010659_updates.jpg", "postedOn": "10 hours ago", "postTime": 1510819140, "reportBy": "Web Desk", "categoryName": "Wildlife", "videoURL": null, "archivedVideos": [ ], "relatedStories": [ ] }, "p244724": { "id": "244724", "title": "Britain preparing to transfer 400 million pounds to Iran - Telegraph newspaper", "shortDescription": "", "description": "LONDON: Britain is preparing to transfer over 400 million pounds ($527 million) to Iran as it seeks the release of a jailed Iranian-British aid worker, The Telegraph newspaper reported, citing unidentified British sources.
\r\nNazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a project manager with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, was sentenced to five years after being convicted by an Iranian court of plotting to overthrow the clerical establishment.
\r\nShe denies the charges.
\r\nBritain has sought legal advice over whether it could transfer the funds which it owes as a result of a disputed arms deal in the 1970s.
\r\nDiplomats told the newspaper that any payment should not be linked to the fate of Zaghari-Ratcliffe.
\r\nThe Thomson Reuters Foundation is a charity organization that is independent of Thomson Reuters.
\r\nIt operates independently of Reuters News.
\r\nA spokesman for Britain´s Foreign Office could not be reached for comment out of normal business hours.
\r\n($1 = 0.7588 pounds)
", "image": "http://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2017-11-16/l_244724_125828_updates.jpg", "postedOn": "10 hours ago", "postTime": 1510818900, "reportBy": "REUTERS", "categoryName": "World", "videoURL": null, "archivedVideos": [ ], "relatedStories": [ ] }, "p244723": { "id": "244723", "title": "Golmaal Again enters Rs 300 crore club", "shortDescription": "", "description": "Rohit Shetty's Golmaal Again starring Ajay Devgn, Parineeti Chopra and Tabu, has emerged as one of the most successful films of 2017.
\r\nThe fourth film in the Golmaal franchise is the first one to have entered the prestigious Rs 300 crore club.
\r\nReleasing on October 20, Golmaal Again faced a clash with Aamir Khan's Secret Superstar. But overcoming all hurdles it opened to a staggering Rs 30.14 crore at the box office.
\r\nIt crossed the Rs 100 crore mark in just four days and made a whopping Rs 200 crore at the domestic box office in its fourth week itself.
\r\nThe comedy-horror mix has a worldwide gross collection of Rs 300 crores making it one of the biggest blockbusters of 2017.
", "image": "http://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2017-11-16/l_244723_125026_updates.jpg", "postedOn": "10 hours ago", "postTime": 1510818420, "reportBy": "Web Desk", "categoryName": "Entertainment", "videoURL": null, "archivedVideos": [ ], "relatedStories": [ ] } }